Doing Life the Damato Way...

Hey friends!!
So many of you have written me and asked for healthy recipe and food ideas, so I decided I would just do a blog about what we've been doing for close to a month now!

First of all, this will take a lot of will power and total commitment on your part. If your household/spouse cannot do this with you, it is going to be much much harder. It also takes a lot of preparation and planning to succeed...we have learned this the hard way!

For the month of May we have committed to cut sugar, grains, dairy, and legumes from our diet. This is drastic and dramatic...I know - its not meant to be a permanent change, just a detox and friendly food habit forming. I must admit - we haven't really missed the "sugar" so much. In fact we've grown a custom to drinking only water and really don't miss our sodas at all! After May is over, we will slowly re-introduce some of those items back into our diet in a much healthier and moderate way.

I hope you like salads(spinach), because a lot of your lunches will consist of yummy green salads filled with all kinds of veggies and some meat.  Skip the dressing or carefully make yours and use in limited quantities. Prep your lunch salad the night before to save time, preparing the dressing on the side.

Here are some of the things we've been eating for dinner:
*Flank Steak - broil 5-7 minutes on each side (season to taste) served with sweet potatoes (baked like fries, baked, mashed - however yo like it...just don't add junk!
The leftover steak is awesome on your lunch salad!!
*Grilled Chicken - try marinating in fresh orange/lime juice with garlic, salt and pepper and a dash of some kind of "season all" - grill enough to have slices for salads through out the week!
*crock pot roast minus white potatoes
*pork chops with any of the sides listed below
*Cornish hens
*lean steaks
*beef stew w/carrots, okra, cauliflower
*fajitas minus the cheese and tortilla

Short on time? Try a rotisserie chicken from the deli

We love eggplant, squash, zucchini, onions, peppers grilled or sauteed in olive oil (easy does it on the oil)
Our two newest favorite things are spaghetti squash and cauliflower - did you know you can mash cauliflower  and it tastes very similar to mash potatoes? Its awesome roasted in the oven with fresh garlic and olive oil. This week I'm going to try cauliflower rice...just google it!
The other thing we are in love with is spaghetti squash - its great topped with marinara or a meat sauce - make your sauce with ground turkey for an extra lean protein packed meal!
Roasted or steamed broccoli
seared brussel sprouts
Fresh green beans - sauteed or grilled!
Asparagus - broiled, sauteed or grilled!

EGGS EGGS EGGS for breakfast lunch or dinner! Add extra egg whites for more protein!

Find amazing uses for avocado (its yummy when prepared with cucumber!)
Almonds and raisins are my new favorite morning snack!
Try a "Lara Bar" - just watch out for the ones with chocolate in them!
Coconut Milk (unsweetened in a can) over fresh berries
artichokes dipped in avocado or clarified butter
DATES! satisfies any sweet tooth
We buy bananas at least 2-3 times a week
Almond butter with apples or bananas


I'm also a fan of Shakeology - It jump started my weight loss and healthy eating,
Its great as a snack or meal replacement depending on how you prepare it. With hundreds of shake "recipes" you'll never get bored or have an excuse that it taste bad!
I can help you get started on this awesome product if you want to try! There's a 30 day satisfaction guarantee - what do you have to lose?

Use the farmer's market - you'll save tons on your produce vs. the grocery store!

lastly -EXERCISE - MOVE YOUR BODY SOME HOW EACH DAY!

Eat fresh, eat often, keep it clean and you should be good
If you have to have pasta or bread - make it 100% whole wheat and keep it minimal

Sorry for the all over the place blog with poor grammar - I'm typing with one hand, holding Lucas, and making sure AK doesn't destroy the house!